The watercolor palette of your dreams

My name is Florencia Álvarez Brunel, I love watercolors and the passion I have for them has led me to explore depths I never imagined.

In this artistic journey, I have discovered the beauty of creating handcrafted watercolor collections, an experience as enriching as it is challenging. Through these words, I want to share with you the essential keys that I have learned and that I consider fundamental for any painting enthusiast who wishes to embark on this adventure.

First, choose your colors with your heart.
Choosing the pigments to create your colors is the first and perhaps the most exciting step, but first of all, dare to play with color as you did when you were a child and trust your intuition. Experiment with mixtures and you will see that creation has no limits! Dare to try mixtures without prejudice, there is no such thing as the right color, but keep in mind when creating your painting materials that not all pigments behave the same way, and each one has its own personality. Some pigments blend as best friends and others you have to "convince" to come together, and that is the beauty of working with such unique materials. Look for colors that resonate with you, that inspire and excite you every time you mix them into your palette.

Second, milling is meditation.
Like any craft it takes time to learn all of its secrets but that doesn't mean it's not a lot of fun to do! The process of grinding pigments into paint is an act of love and patience. Don't rush it. Take your time to feel the texture of the pigment under the grinder, how it slowly transforms into a smooth paste and binds to the binder, the pigments speak and you have to learn to listen to them. This process is not only crucial to achieving good consistency in your painting and brilliant colors, but it also allows you to connect intimately with each color you create.

Third, keep a record.
Memory can fail. If you see a color you like, a color palette that generates emotions in you, record it in the way that works best for you and you will see how effortlessly you will find your own style in that record.
The same for colors created by you, don't lose track of your recipes!

Fourth, create with sincerity.
When designing your collection, trust your tastes. A color collection that comes from within you will undoubtedly not only be visually appealing, but will also reflect your identity and personal style. Think about the stories you want to tell through your colors, the emotions you want to evoke. Every shade is a word in the visual poem you are creating.

Fifth, share your passion.
Art is a form of communication, and your watercolors are your voice. Don't hesitate to share your process, your discoveries and your work with the world. Every brushstroke, every mix, every color has a story behind it, and those stories deserve to be told.

Creating your own collection of handmade watercolors is a journey of self-exploration and expression.

It is a journey full of discoveries, challenges and, above all, a lot of joy.

If this journey resonates with you and you want to delve deeper into the world of handmade watercolors, I invite you to explore my course on Domestika, "Handmade Metallic Watercolors".

In it, I share not only techniques and secrets, but also my love and respect for this medium. Together, we can discover the magic that resides in each pigment and transform it into art.

I sincerely hope you will join me in this creative adventure.

Remember, art is a never-ending journey, and every step you take is an opportunity to discover something new about yourself and the world around you.
See you at the course!

Florencia.